Zamak medal of St. Benedict, 1.2 in, Jubilee 2025

Zamak medal of St. Benedict, 1.2 in, Jubilee 2025.

The front depicts St. Benedict, with a cross in his right hand, symbol of salvation, and the Monastic Rule in his left hand. To his right, below the cross, there is a broken cup, recalling the miracle where poisoned wine shattered after the saint made the sign of the cross over it. To his left, beneath the rule, a raven carrying away a poisoned loaf symbolises protection against dangers and deceptions.

These elements are linked to the tradition that attributes to the medal the power to protect against poisoning.

On the back, the large abbreviation C.S.P.B. stands for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (''The Cross of Holy Father Benedict''). Within the cross, the initials C.S.S.M.L. – N.D.S.M.D., meaning Crux sacra sit mihi lux – Non draco sit mihi dux, which translates to "May the holy cross be my light – May the devil not be my leader".

Around the edge, the letters V.R.S.N.S.M.V. – S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. are engraved, abbreviating the prayer: Vade retro Satana! Numquam suade mihi vana. Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas ("Step back, Satan! Do not urge me to vanity. The things you offer are evil. Drink your poisons yourself"). Finally, at the top of the medal, the word PAX is inscribed, meaning ''peace''.